Hello, My partner and I are Rent is about $1,033/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 18.6%, which is higher than I expected. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Any advice would be great. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to.
30 upvotes
2 Replies
Philip M.
accurate
22 upvotes
Alice Collins
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 11 years. Moved from New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Bugs and humidity in summer. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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